Save Money This Winter with These Energy Saving Tips

ServiceOne AC showcases a variety of heating products and services that can help homeowners in Orlando and the entire Florida to save energy (and money) this winter.  As much as half of the energy used in today’s homes goes to heating and cooling. Making smart decisions about heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can have a big effect on utility bills and a home’s overall comfort.

President and founder Bill Gouty recommends the following energy saving tips to help increase the efficiency of your heating system in preparation for winter:

1. Change your air filter
   Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). At a minimum, change the filter every three months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm and ultimately waste energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system.
2. Tune up your HVAC equipment annually
   Just like a tune-up for your car can keep your car running strong and improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve the efficiency and overall lifespan of your equipment.
3. Install a programmable thermostat
   A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you more than $150 every year in energy costs.
4. Seal heating and cooling ducts
   Ducts that move air to-and-from a central air conditioner or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent.
5. Consider installing new energy efficient heating equipment
   If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old, or is not keeping your house at a comfortable level, have it evaluated by a professional HVAC contractor. Replacing your old heating and cooling equipment with energy efficient equipment (ENERGY STAR qualified) can cut your annual energy bill by nearly $200.

A heat pump moves warm air from one place to another; that heat is even present in air that seems cold. When it’s cold outside a heat pump extracts this outside heat and transfers it inside. One advantage of a heat pump is it moves heat rather than generating heat, making it more energy efficiency. Heat pumps are also powered by electricity, so fuel consumption is reduced. For example, a Trane XL20i heat pump is among the HVAC industry’s most efficient, with a rating up to 19.00 SEER and 9.00 HSPF.

“Heat pumps are best for moderate climates, like Florida,” said Gouty. “What make the timing ideal is that right now Trane is offering some sizeable rebates – up to $2,500 – toward the purchase of new equipment.” Plus, ServiceOne is offering $1,000 off new AC installations by Trane and up to 60 months interest free financing.  “It is a great time to buy heating or AC equipment.”